Cover Photo Credit: Grissom's Lost Creek Orchard

This fall, it’s time to experience some staple seasonal activities and to create everlasting memories. From cheesing with cows to picking the finest apples, we are sure you will not regret coming to our neck of the woods for a day trip or a whole week-long vacation.

If you love cheese, cows, ice cream, and good times then we suggest clearing your calendar on Saturday, October 14. Come to Greenville for Marcoot Jersey Creamery’s Fall Fest on the Farm! Take some selfies with their cows in the pasture, play games, and have lunch with a side of their famous fried cheese curds. This event is FREE and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more here: https://www.downstateil.org/Marcoot-Jersey-Creamery

If you have kids or are a kid at heart, you need to run to Millstadt to visit Eckert’s Millstadt Farm. This farm is synonymous for fun as you not only get to pick apples and pumpkins but shoot them out of a cannon too! Oh, and did we mention you can ride camels, watch pig races, attempt to escape from an enormous corn maze, and so much more? Learn more here: https://www.downstateil.org/Eckerts-Millstadt-Family-Fun-Farm

Looking for the traditional orchard experience? Braeutigam Orchards in Belleville is the place to go. Pick from Jonathon to Granny Smith apples or pumpkins, squash, and gourds. This 7th generation farm is sure to become an unforgettable stop for your whole family, but it could be an unforgettable stay as well. Braeutigam’s also offers a beautiful 2-bedroom cabin that sleeps 6-8 people. To learn more about the orchard, visit: https://www.downstateil.org/Braeutigams-Orchards

For those in need of some unique experiences, visit Dorney’s Pumpkin Patch in Lawrencevile. From hillbilly putt-putt golf to a gourd slingshot, there is something for everyone! Dorney’s is cash only and admission gains you unlimited access to all activities for the whole day. So, if mining for gold and hayrides sounds up your alley, visit: https://www.downstateil.org/Dorneys-Pumpkin-Patch

Another great traditional experience is Grissom’s Lost Creek Orchard over in Greenup. Here, you can pick multiple kinds of apples and pick up a jug of cider. If you’re lucky, you may even find some late blooming pears as well! Don’t forget to pick up a gift box for friends that couldn’t come with you on your trip. For more information, visit: https://www.downstateil.org/grissoms-lost-creek-orchard

One local favorite in our central region is Doll’s Orchard in Pocahontas. This is not a stop for everyone, visit only if you want fresh, flavorful, and ripe apples! The orchard also sells pumpkins and cider on site. Learn more here: https://www.downstateil.org/dolls-orchard

Over in Flora, Streif’s Country Market will have you sliding into fun with their six slides, climbing wall, themed corn maze, and hundreds of mums and pumpkins to pick! Be sure to bring the whole family on this trip. Learn more here: https://www.downstateil.org/Streifs-Country-Market

A new destination to us but a staple in our region is Southfork Homestead Pumpkin Farm in Paris. Southfork is one of a kind when it comes to fall family fun with their western theme board walk, petting zoo, cider donuts, hiking trails, and much more! Unless if you want to turn down a delicious burger from the Outlaw Saloon or if you don’t want to feel the thrill of racing pedal cars, we suggest learning more here: https://southforkhomestead.com/

**This article comes from the 2023 Fall/Holiday Tourism Times. To learn more about how to read the publication, click here.